South Sulawesi Governor Welcomes 392 Hajj Pilgrims from Cluster 21 in Makassar

Makassar (ANTARA) - South Sulawesi Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman welcomed the return of 392 Hajj pilgrims from Cluster 21 of the Makassar Debarkation, who originated from the regencies of Soppeng, Enrekang, and Gowa, at the Arafah Hall of the Sudiang Hajj Dormitory in Makassar on Tuesday.

Addressing the hundreds of pilgrims, Governor Andi Sudirman expressed gratitude for their safe and healthy return after completing the series of Hajj rituals in the Holy Land.

“One of the characteristics of a mabrur (accepted) Hajj is when a person who was previously reluctant to go to the mosque becomes diligent in worship and remains steadfast until the end of their life,” he said.

He was accompanied by the Head of the South Sulawesi Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ali Yafid; the Head of the South Sulawesi Regional Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Chairperson of the Makassar Embarkation-Debarkation Hajj Organising Committee, Ikbal Ismail; and the Deputy Regent of Soppeng, Selle KS Dalle.

“After returning from the Holy Land, we must become better individuals than before we performed the Hajj. Leave behind bad habits and strengthen the good ones acquired during the pilgrimage,” he stated.

“Regularly convey positive messages, whether on social media or within your surroundings. Be a disseminator of soothing religious values that bring benefit to others,” he added.

Furthermore, he encouraged the pilgrims to increase their interaction with the Quran after the Hajj.

“At the very least, complete one juz a day. This is part of the effort to maintain the mabrur status of the Hajj that has been achieved,” he said.

As devout Muslims, Andi Sudirman said, the pilgrims have a moral responsibility to serve as good examples in society.

“Hopefully, this cluster will become a role model with better faith and improved behaviour in the community. After returning from the Holy Land to your respective villages, continue to spread religious messages and be an inspiration to society,” he said.

According to Hajj manifest data from the South Sulawesi Regional Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the total number of members in Cluster 21 of the Makassar Debarkation was 392 people, consisting of 274 women and 118 men.